A systems approach to preoperative surgical patient skin preparation

Background The merits of a systems approach to preoperative surgical patient skin preparation are presented. A “system” may be defined as the addition of an antiseptic bath(s) or shower(s) within 24 hours before the application of a Food and Drug Administration–compliant patient preoperative skin preparation at the time of surgery. The expected outcome from this added effort is a further reduction in the transient and normal flora that contaminate the skin surrounding the operative site, and contribute to surgical infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended the addition of this step to the preoperative site preparation regimen.